Belgian Ale

The Belgian Ale category contains a range of beer styles unified by their origin in the diverse brewing traditions of Belgium. These styles are distinct in their complexity, with a characteristic balance of malty sweetness and various degrees of fruitiness, spiciness, and hop bitterness. With fermentation driven largely by unique strains of yeast, these beers often exhibit pronounced estery and phenolic characters typical to Belgian brews.

Witbier, Belgian Pale Ale, and Bière de Garde represent distinct styles within the Belgian Ale category. Witbier is a pale, hazy wheat beer characterized by its spiced, yeast-forward profile, high carbonation, and a refreshing, dry finish. It features a cloudy, pale to deep yellow appearance, with aromas and flavors of bready malt, grainy wheat, and zesty citrus, leading to a medium-light, creamy mouthfeel. Belgian Pale Ale, a top-fermented, moderately bitter ale, offers a balanced malt and fruit profile with toasty, biscuity notes, and a smooth, medium-light body. Bière de Garde includes blond, brown, and amber variations, all showcasing a smooth, malty richness appropriate to their color, with a toasty, bready aroma, a medium to high malt flavor, and a creamy-silky mouthfeel.